A Red Carpet Premiere For A Cause

Fashion, Film and Purpose took centre stage Thursday evening at the red carpet premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2 at the iconic Carib 5 Cinema.

An initiative of the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) the evening of bold style, cinematic excitement, and meaningful impact attracted a slew of stunning Runway Magazine-ready patrons.

The evening commenced with a Moët & Champagne Brut Imperial bar courtesy of Select Brands. Other beverage menu options included HennyRita, Hennessy Margarita and HennyColada, Hennessy Pina Colada. There were, too, passed hors d’oeuvres courtesy of award-winning caterer Trevanne Donegal for S.E.A.R. 274. En route to Cinema 3, patrons made yet another runway turn towards a stylish Edgechem installation where discount vouchers were handed out. Impossible to resist also were the 360 photo booth courtesy of Barita, and the Sagicor shoe replica for the ultimate selfie.

Beyond the glamour, the evening was grounded in purpose.

Formed in November 2003, the WLI has consistently championed impact across four core pillars: Health, Early Childhood Education, Mentorship, and Advocacy. Through its work, WLI continues to support and uplift communities in tangible and lasting ways. Through its parent body, the United Way of Jamaica, the initiative has provided critical assistance to female farmers in St Elizabeth recovering from hurricane-related losses. It has also recently concluded another impactful staging of its “Conversations with Boys” programme, equipping young men transitioning into secondary education with guidance and support.

Mentorship remains a cornerstone of WLI’s mission, with continued engagement in the 2025 COJO cohort – an initiative deeply cherished by the late WLI member Marcia Erskine. At the heart of its fund-raising efforts is VOUCH, which supports the development and operations of the Sylvia Foote Basic School, its nursery, and the Mary Issa Clinic facilities that provide essential services to the surrounding community.

Proceeds from the premiere will directly support these initiatives, ensuring that every moment of glamour contributes to real, measurable change.

The event was proudly supported by the Jamaica Observer, Select Brands, Edgechem, Sagicor Group Jamaica, Barita Investments Limited, InnerHub Consulting Services Ltd., Allied Insurance Brokers, Popeyes, Island Grill, Palace Amusement Company, and S.E.A.R 274.

About the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI)

The WLI, launched in 2004 by former US Ambassador to Jamaica, Sue Cobb, is a special committee of the United Way of Jamaica (UWJ), which promotes sisterhood and the advancement of women and girls while contributing to nation-building. Members of the WLI are all CEOs or senior executives of corporate companies and entrepreneurs in Jamaica.

During the intermission The Devil Wears Prada 2 patrons who best interpreted the Runway Magazine Ready theme were announced by Novia McDonald-Whyte, senior associate editor, lifestyle and social content, at the Jamaica Observer.

First prize winners Phillip Yapp and Alyssia Senior were gifted a Moët basket from Select Brands and a crystal shooting star from Bijoux.

Second-prize winner Shari-Ann Henry took home an Appleton Gift box with Moscow cups from Barita Investments and a crystal shooting star from Bijoux.

Third-prize winner Tanesha Harris copped a glam make-up session gift certificate and a colour consultation session, courtesy of Edgechem.

There were spot prizes of elegance in a box (fascinator and glove set) by Women of Virtue from Sagicor Bank, presented to Martina Clarke and a set of four Waterford crystal wine glasses courtesy of Bijoux presented to Melanie Levy.

Sagicor Bank Relationship Manager Tanesha Harris stepped out in a Fashion Nova trouser suit teamed with a Tory Burch bag and Fashion Nova strappy heels.Garfield Robinson

Women’s Leadership Initiative member and mentee, Canadian-based barrister and solicitor Shari-Ann Henry, made a statement in a floor-grazer.Garfield Robinson

Barita Financial Group Finance Manager Martina Clarke stepped out in an ensemble from Clothing Finery.Garfield Robinson

Candy Craze CEO Melanie Levy was demure in a jacket from Saks Fifth Avenue worn with a tulle skirt and bustier from Locale.Garfield Robinson

Attorney-at-law Phillip Yapp in Salt Murphy shared the frame with Proven Wealth Manager, Real Estate Portfolio Alyssia Senior in a piece from her personal wardrobe.Garfield Robinson

Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) member and mentee Shari-Ann Henry (right), named second prize winner, took home an Appleton gift box with Moscow cups from Barita Investments and a crystal shooting star from Bijoux. Her presentations were made by Renée Menzies-McCallum (left), WLI chair, PR, and WLI Deputy Chair Kim Lee. Garfield Robinson

Sagicor Bank Relationship Manager Tanesha Harris (right) copped third place and was presented with a glam make-up session gift certificate and a colour consultation session courtesy of Edgechem by Mellissa McHargh, COO EdgeChem and Women Leadership Initiative deputy chair.Garfield Robinson

Bijoux Associate Director Rafiq Chandiram presented a spot prize of a set of four Waterford crystal wine glasses to Candy Craze CEO Melanie Levy.Garfield Robinson

Sagicor Bank CEO Chorvelle Johnson Cunningham (right) presented a spot prize of Elegance in a Box by Women of Viture (fascinator and glove set) to Barita Finanical Group Finance Manager Martina Clarke.Garfield Robinson

[USE AS INSET AND TOGETHER] Fashion Nova heels worn by Tanesha HarrisGarfield Robinson

Best-dressed winners Proven Wealth Manager, Real Estate Portfolio Alyssia Senior (second left) and attorney-at-law Phillip Yapp (second right) were presented with their prizes of a Moet Basket from Select Brands and a crystal shooting star by Bijoux Associate Director Rafiq Chandiram and Select Brands Category Manager Trizan Chung Ying.Garfield Robinson